Severe rainstorms swept through Palm Bay, Florida, on Monday, sending floodwaters rushing into homes and streets across Brevard County. One family found themselves trapped inside their house as water rose fast enough to force them onto a kitchen counter.
Family seeks help as waters climb
Brittany Grant, a Palm Bay resident, said the water began pouring into her home while she was caring for her young son. With the water continuing to rise, she and her child climbed onto the kitchen counter to stay above the flood level. Grant called 911, but the call did not result in immediate assistance.
After remaining on the counter for several hours, Grant turned to Facebook, posting a plea for help. The message quickly caught the eye of a neighbor, a mother whose teenage sons, Lucas Marshall (17) and Jonah Marshall (15), decided to act.
Teen brothers launch a rescue
The brothers borrowed a kayak and a paddleboard from a friend and headed to Grant’s home. Jonah explained, “Because they needed help, and they were in trouble and danger, I didn’t think about it and just went to help them.” Lucas described the effort as “nerve‑wracking a little bit,” but said he kept the child calm by striking up a conversation about school and the unusual day.
Using the kayak to navigate the flooded driveway and the paddleboard to reach the front of the house, the brothers were able to pull Grant and her son safely onto higher ground. The family also rescued their three dogs, which had been trapped inside.
Community gratitude
Grant expressed deep gratitude, saying, “The community came together and saved us. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know how we would have gotten out.” Fox News Digital reached out to Grant for comment, and she reiterated her thanks to the Marshall brothers and the broader Palm Bay neighborhood.
Tragic loss elsewhere in the storm
The same storm claimed the life of 34‑year‑old Joshua Bennett, who died when his vehicle became trapped in rising floodwaters. Bennett’s wife, Stacy Petit Bennett, told WESH‑2 News that her husband called her on FaceTime as water surrounded his car, crying, “I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what to do.”
Local officials continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay informed about flood warnings and to avoid driving through flooded streets. The Palm Bay Fire Department reminded citizens that even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away.
Looking ahead
As the community recovers, the rescue underscores the importance of neighborly cooperation and quick action during emergencies. Residents are encouraged to keep emergency contact information updated and to consider joining local volunteer groups that assist during natural disasters.
Authorities are assessing damage throughout Brevard County and will issue updates on road closures, power outages, and assistance programs for those affected by the flooding.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
